Umudike:The Abia Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a four-day training program for Ward Agricultural Coordinators and extension personnel aimed at enhancing grassroots agricultural development. This training is conducted in partnership with the Agribusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the program, themed ‘Strengthening Grassroots Agricultural Coordination for Sustainable Agricultural Development,’ focuses on modern agricultural techniques and agribusiness. Key areas of the training include pest management and the roles of ward coordinators in supporting farmers and overseeing agricultural interventions.
The training was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, who emphasized the significance of the event as both a privilege and a responsibility. Represented by Dr. Stephanie Ariwodo from the Department of Epidemiology, Agbaeze urged participants to engage earnestly with the training to achieve tangible results at the grassroots level. He noted that this initiative is part of Governor Alex Otti’s agenda for agricultural transformation, aimed at delivering real benefits to farmers.
Dr. Agbaeze highlighted the essential role of ward coordinators in monitoring the Farmers’ Inputs Support Programme and verifying the use of farm inputs. They are also tasked with identifying challenges faced by farmers and providing timely feedback to the ministry for necessary interventions.
Professor Ursula Akanwa, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Princewill Chukwudo, deemed the training timely, citing challenges such as declining soil fertility, rising input costs, and climate variability. Akanwa stressed the importance of organic agriculture and climate-smart practices, noting that ward coordinators are vital partners in driving grassroots agricultural development.
Participant Mrs. Oluchi Emesiobum described the training as enlightening, particularly in areas like smart agriculture and organic fertiliser production. She expressed her intention to share the knowledge with grassroots farmers to boost food production and security. Another participant, Mr. Gabriel John, found the session on cassava production insightful, highlighting its potential to address productivity challenges despite Nigeria’s leading global position.
Organisers stated that the collaboration aims to enhance extension services across Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas and improve technical support for farmers, ultimately reducing post-harvest losses and increasing agricultural productivity. Experts from the university and ministry facilitated lectures and practical sessions covering various agricultural value chains.